NextPort to extend its digital twin solution to help protect marine life in the Strait of Gibraltar

An initiative to improve port resilience using NextPort’s digital twin technology has received a prestigious award for digital innovation.

The SAFARI project (Safe, ClimAte Resilient Infrastructure) was recognized as an award winning initiative in the category ‘Application of Emerging Technologies in the Port Sector.’ It was presented at the SOCINFO Digital Awards, where the award was received jointly with the project partners: the Port Authority of Seville, Sener, the University of Seville and Todobarro, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.

The SOCINFO Digital Awards recognize digital transformation projects that deliver tangible impact across public administrations and strategic sectors. For the 2026 awards, special emphasis was placed on TIC Ports (Puertos TIC), recognizing organizations that are driving the digital transformation of the port sector through advanced technologies such as digital platforms, digital twins, artificial intelligence, automation and energy efficient solutions.

Funded by the Horizon Europe program, the SAFARI project aims to strengthen the resilience of port infrastructure by integrating advanced technologies and adopting a data driven approach. The project focuses on improving the capacity of port environments to anticipate, respond to and recover from climate related and operational risks, supporting safer and more resilient infrastructure management.

Oscar Pernia, Chief Technology Officer at NextPort said: “Digital twins are increasingly applied to multiple domains in ports. Their applications supports ports in optimizing their resources and assets, as well as further ensuring safe navigation and logistic resiliency, particularly in the context of a changing climate. NextPort's developments with Port of Sevilla and Sener in this area are key. Congratulations to the SAFARI team on this accolade, reflecting the collaboration and expertise that has gone into the project and the beneficial outcomes already being realized.”

At the Port of Seville, SAFARI is being implemented through the development of a comprehensive digital ecosystem that brings together a digital twin of infrastructure and operations, with real time data integration, predictive models and early warning systems, and advanced sensor networks. NextPort is responsible for developing the digital twin for SAFARI project, conceived as a unified platform that integrates information from vessels, infrastructure, port operations, services, ocean meteorological conditions and regulatory frameworks. NextPort’s digital twin acts as an integration and intelligence layer, connecting processes, systems and people, and transforming information generated by the platform into actionable alerts and operational context.

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There is less than a month to go until we’re back at the Container Terminal Automation Conference in Valencia, Spain.

This year, in addition to participating as Bronze Sponsors, we’re proud to join industry peers on stage to share practical insights and real‑world experience. If you’re attending CTAC Europe, make sure you don’t miss these sessions:

- Automation vs. Performance: How can the promised benefits of automation really be achieved? — with Christian Blauert, SVP and Global Director - Port and Terminal Development at Moffatt & Nichol.

- From systems to capabilities: Rethinking technology adoption in container terminals — with Oscar Pernia, Chief Technology Officer at NextPort.

- How container terminals can convert digital visibility into operational advantage — with Andy Barrons, Chief Commercial Officer at NextPort.

- Building the data backbone to enable automation and AI — with Oscar Pernia.

Please visit our stand in the main exhibition area, where we'll be on hand to give you a live demonstration of NextPort.

We look forward to connecting with you there.

At NextPort, we are advancing the future of port and terminal operations through next‑generation digital twin technology.

Built as a dynamic, real‑time replica of each customer’s facility, our platform brings together vast and varied data sources —from equipment activity to meteorological and ocean conditions— to deliver the information that gives terminal control rooms insight right when it’s needed.

By transforming data from a complex operational landscape into clear, actionable intelligence, NextPort helps users anticipate issues, optimize performance, and make smarter decisions over time.

So, what’s new in our latest version called NextPort 2.0:

Increased terminal visibility

Our platform for terminals now enables users to see on one screen all the activities associated with ship arrivals and berth planning, giving a one-page overview and creating a central place to manage each call. This enhancement improves predictability and optimization in terminal operations and supports better alignment with port authorities.

Improved alerting system

We've redesigned how alerts work to make them simpler to configure and easier to understand at a glance. Our workflow management application enables control room operators to quickly see what's important, set individual thresholds for alarm activation, and respond faster when things go off track in the terminal.

What‑if scenario modeling

NextPort is testing a new module that enables users to model scenarios and evaluate different allocation options for nautical and technical resources, reducing risk in decision-making. This means port scenarios and their outcomes can be compared before any operational changes are made, allowing decisions to be based on real constraints and actual port activity.

Real‑time weather and ocean conditions information

Even more data sources can now be integrated into the platform. By incorporating metocean variables and alarms that alert when conditions cross safety thresholds, port operators can now adjust plans proactively instead of reacting to problems.

Emission analytics and EU-ETS impact assessment

By combining different maritime data sources NextPort now is modeling vessel fleets, routes and port calls: aggregating a new dimension to our port call optimization focus. Our analytical tools apply EU-ETS regulatory framework to analyze its impact at ports, for port authorities analyzing their competitiveness and ocean transport networks evolution.

NextPort 2.0 is another step in our continuous journey to refine, expand, and elevate the digital twin experience for ports and terminals.

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